Who doesn’t want to live a long life filled with passion and purpose? Centennials worldwide have certain things in common that they agree have helped them have a passionate and purpose-filled life! Recently I came across a book that asked that exact question. Ikagai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles explores what they all have in common.

Find your ikigia or life’s purpose.
Every human has a unique purpose that all their life experiences and natural creative self is designed to live out. We have all heard if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. A basic understanding is to look at what you love and are passionate about and how you can translate that to help the world. Of course, we all have to pay the bills, but when you can translate that mission to serve the world, it helps you and others.

Finding and building a community
By nature, humans are social creatures. We flourish when we have others look out for us, love us, and care for us. A sense of community through family, friends, or the local community can increase longevity and life span.

Never retiring.
Retiring is so many adults’ goal once they enter the workforce. There is nothing wrong with wanting to slow down as we get older but never truly “retire.” Having passions that can fill your days after you exit the workforce is vital to feeling young and purposeful. Retirement can be a wonderful time to find new passions, enjoy leisure time fully, and explore the world around you even more so.

Eating a plant-based diet.
Often considered the healthiest diet in the world, the Mediterranean diet has some very practical but healthy ways to eat.
Eat the rainbow. Remember to include red, orange, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables.
Get enough plants into your diet as possible. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every single day.
Skip the sugar and reduce the salt.
Fermented foods are your friend.

Stay active throughout your life.
An article published by Harvard Health found that in a trial of 1,600 elderly participants. Those in the exercise group had a 28% drop in disabilities due to their age just from staying active. Dr.Howard E. LeWine suggests a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity every week. Daily walks at a moderate pace are one of the best ways to stay healthy!

Bonus food for thought. Never stop learning from the masters! Books to include this year to find your life’s purpose and fulfillment.

Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E Frankl
Mastery by Robert Greene
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho